Overall Rating
4 out of 5

In isolation I like the new Monster, which has character, looks good and is modern but still very much a Monster. The new liquid-cooled engine is much better than the old bike’s. There’s loads of mid-range and low-down grunt, and it sounds fantastic for a standard bike. The handling on the S model is excellent, just as happy on road or track, and light and easy to ride. Yes there are a few niggles, a lack of room for feet if you ride on your toes could become annoying, and some would argue there’s too much cooling and piping on show. But this is the best Monster Ducati has ever made.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5

Unlike some Ducatis, the suspension is conventional on the Monster 1200 and doesn’t alter as the rider switches between modes. There are different specifications with the Monster S getting Ohlins while the standard model doesn’t. The suspension works well; especially under load. You can dig the rear into the ground as you wind on the torque and the feedback from the tyres is excellent. My only slight criticism is it feels a little skittish over bumps on the up stroke of the rear shock when it’s not under load.

Engine
4 out of 5

The 1198cc V-twin is very similar to the Multistrada, but with modifications to increase low-down and mid-range power. The grunt gets going early with a satisfying punch from as little as 2000rpm. Lean back and the front will go skywards with a whiff of the throttle in the first two gears, and thankfully the traction control knows the difference between a wheelie and wheel spin… The fuel modes are easy to scroll through and you do use them and they aren’t just a gimmick, and they can be personalised to your own settings.

Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5

The 1198cc engine is tried and tested so shouldn’t throw up any surprises.

Insurance, running costs & value
4 out of 5

Competitively priced in the naked market.

Equipment
4 out of 5

The Monster comes with three fuel modes, traction control and ABS although no gear indicator.

By
MCN Staff

Facts & Figures

Model info

Year introduced

2014

Year discontinued

-

New price

£13,350

Used price

£8,800 to £12,500

Warranty term

Two year unlimited mileage

Running costs

Insurance group

-

Annual road tax

£88

Annual service cost

£190

Performance

Max power

145 bhp

Max torque

92 ft-lb

Top speed

150 mph

1/4-mile acceleration

-

Average fuel consumption

50 mpg

Tank range

170 miles

Specification

Engine size

1198cc

Engine type

Four-stroke, liquid-cooled DOHC, 8v desmo V-twin

Frame type

Tubular steel

Fuel capacity

17.5 litres

Seat height

785mm

Bike weight

182kg

Front suspension

48mm inverted forks, fully adjustable

Rear suspension

Fully adjustable rear shock

Front brake

2x330mm discs. Brembo four-piston radial monobloc calipers. ABS

Rear brake

1x245mm disc, Brembo single-piston caliper. ABS

Front tyre size

120/70ZR17

Rear tyre size

190/55ZR17

History & Versions

Model history

2014: Model introduced

Other versions

The standard Monster 1200 costs £10,695

Owners' Reviews

4 owners have reviewed their DUCATI MONSTER 1200S (2014-on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

You buy a bike because of how it makes you feel: this has got the whole package - tons of kerb appeal, shattering power and torque, great handling and that throaty V twin growl (well, with a decat pipe...)
Here's my 2 part video review:
Part I - general overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6u91Bk0sSY
Part II: POWEEEER! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHLZUKLF1o

Ride Quality & Brakes

4 out of 5

Solid brakes - not quite M40s but still Brembos - and plush enough ride. Could use a suspension tune up but that'll only cost £70!

Engine

5 out of 5

Not as smooth as a 3 or a 4 but that's the beauty - you get this enormous surge of power all at once that gives the illusion of it being faster than its competitors. Very smooth fuelling in Touring mode, not at all snatchy which is quite something for a huge V twin. Doesn't feel lumpy at all like the 2014 M1200 did.

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

Reliability not tested yet but the build quality is exceptional. It feels really solid and all the usually cheap looking parts - switchgear, mirrors etc are well designed.

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

First service was £180 (600 mile) which is a little steep for an oil change! But the value of the bike is solid - it's as cheap as any other super naked when you factor in the low rate finance.

Equipment

5 out of 5

All the kit you could want, with the possible exception of cruise control. Up and down quickshifter is £240 - a must! You don't get cornering ABS in any bike cheaper than this.

Buying experience

An absolute pleasure although i'd bloody hope so for a £12k toy!

5 out of 5

Worth it in all respects

04 July 2015
by
Kean

Year :
2014

Annual servicing cost :
£200

Traded up from a Yamaha FZ8 (fantastic bike, fast, comfy and sounds good with an Akrapovic) as this was in another league. I had the standard 1200 Monster for the day when my Yamaha went in for a service, they saw me coming, obviously. I loved it so much, I ordered the 1200s when I came back from my day of galavanting. This is a beautiful bike and the noise it makes really draws attention. I get people staring at her when she is parked up anywhere. You can see little and big boys drooling.

Ride Quality & Brakes

5 out of 5

With Brembo brakes all round and dual discs upfront, she stops as well as a 1299. Ride is good especially with the adjustable suspension. I am 6'3" and have no hassles riding. She is light weight and chuckable in the corners, highly responsive.

Engine

5 out of 5

Engine is rapid, really rapid. Responsive and sounds brilliant, either standard or with the Termignonis, not the smoothest at lower revs, but that is the nature of twins. One has to use 2nd and 3rd in town to keep the ride smooth, open roads and the torque comes alive, crazily so.

Build Quality & Reliability

5 out of 5

Touch wood, no issues as of yet, still early days.

Value & Running Costs

4 out of 5

Pricey to buy, but to me, great value. Ducati are quite transparent with their fees.

Equipment

5 out of 5

Added a small fly screen, reminiscent of the original monsters. Tyres are good as standard, but she will get the Michelin Road pilots later on.

Buying experience

Great, purchased from Metropolois in Barnet, recommended.

4 out of 5

Demo

02 May 2014
by
Anonymous

My review is based on just two days of usage but in the absence of any other reviews thought may be useful to others.
I was lucky to be given the standard (non S) bike to loan. It is a very comfortable bike (I'm 5'7), seat is plush and comfy, bars in the right place. I didn't find the footpegs to be a problem (size 8). Seemed to offer around 50mpg at motorway speeds and windblast was not a problem at all. Battery – why did Ducati put this by the rear shock? It means you can’t plug a battery optimiser or leads to your heated gear into it. Also has no fuel gauge.
It has a real presence so if you are the shy and retiring kind this bike is not for you! Noise is good but a tad loud for my tastes. Looks good, a real head turner. It never felt blisteringly fast but it did pull quickly through the gears. I’m not used to a V2 so probably wasn’t in the right rev band anyway. A smidge jerky at really low speeds. Something I could live with. 3 riding modes probably aren’t needed though. I stayed in Sport mode mostly. I found it entertaining ;-)
Overall, if there was no Street Triple in the world I would really consider this bike. A great bike.